Ever wondered how Microsoft ensures its products are built by the best—and most diverse—factories in the game? If you’re searching for a top-notch supplier, you know it’s not just about quality or speed. Diversity matters, too, and finding partners that tick all the boxes can be tricky. Discovering the right supplier means building better relationships, driving innovation, and meeting important diversity goals. Curious which factories make the cut? Dive in and see which supplier stands out for your business!

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Supplier diversity at Microsoft | Microsoft Procurement

Product Details:
Microsoft’s Supplier Diversity Program provides opportunities for diverse businesses to participate in Microsoft’s supply chain by facilitating partnerships, mentorship, data-driven business intelligence, and inclusive supply chain initiatives. The program includes requirements for third-party certification and focuses on a variety of diversity categories.

Technical Parameters:
– Diverse suppliers must be at least 51% owned, operated, and managed by
– U.S. suppliers require 3rd-party certification from approved agencies to be
– Supplier diversity tracked and analyzed using business intelligence systems to
– Supported Employment Program specifically for people with intellectual/developme

Application Scenarios:
– Businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, disabled individuals, or LGBT
– Companies operating in HUBZones or as small, disadvantaged businesses looking
– Employment creation for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities
– International businesses in countries with established diversity and societal

Pros:
– Opens access to supplier opportunities with a global technology company.
– Provides mentorship and business development resources for diverse suppliers.
– Utilizes data-driven approaches for equitable supplier engagement and progress
– Includes specialized employment programs for people with intellectual/developmen

Cons:
– Requires third-party certification to be officially recognized as a diverse
– No guarantee of business even after completing the supplier diversity profile
– Certification process may incur costs for suppliers.

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Product Details:
Microsoft offers a Diverse Supplier Program aimed at fostering greater diversity within its supplier base. The program enables certified diverse suppliers (such as minority-, women-, veteran-, disability-, LGBT-owned, HUBZone, and small disadvantaged businesses) to participate in Microsoft’s procurement ecosystem and provides resources, networking, and development opportunities through initiatives like AMP’D.

Technical Parameters:
– Suppliers must be at least 51% owned, operated, and managed by a qualified
– Requires third-party diversity certification from recognized organizations
– Application process includes submitting an online form and documentation of
– Program scope extends to prioritized international countries, with diversity

Application Scenarios:
– Businesses seeking to supply goods or services to Microsoft as a certified
– Diverse suppliers looking to expand their opportunities through large
– Organizations participating in supplier development, training, or mentorship
– International diverse businesses aligning with Microsoft’s country-specific

Pros:
– Provides access to Microsoft’s global procurement opportunities for certified
– Offers development, community, and mentorship through the AMP’D program.
– Promotes supplier inclusion, advancing diversity and equity within the supply
– Acceptance of a wide range of certifications including local, state, and

Cons:
– Entry is restricted to suppliers with formal third-party diversity
– Application process may be complex due to various documentation and
– Diversity focus areas and eligibility criteria may vary internationally,

19 US Companies Committed to DEI (and 19 Who Dropped Their DEI Policies)

SupplierWeb

Product Details:
SupplierWeb is a centralized onboarding and account management tool designed for suppliers working with Microsoft.

Application Scenarios:
– Onboarding new suppliers for Microsoft partnerships
– Managing supplier accounts for existing business relationships

Pros:
– Centralizes supplier onboarding processes
– Streamlines account management for suppliers

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Supplier diversity and small business at Microsoft | Microsoft Procurement

Product Details:
Microsoft Small Business Program is a US-based initiative under the Microsoft Federal business unit designed to engage and support small and diverse businesses as suppliers and partners within Microsoft’s procurement ecosystem.

Technical Parameters:
– Targets US-based small businesses that self-certify as meeting US Small
– Special focus on minority, woman, disabled, disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and
– Participation limited to the Microsoft Federal business unit and related

Application Scenarios:
– Small businesses partnering with Microsoft as suppliers of products or services
– Participation in competitive solicitations for Microsoft Federal procurement
– Diverse-owned businesses aiming to expand their reach into federal markets via

Pros:
– Provides small and diverse businesses with opportunities to work with a major
– Emphasizes inclusion of suppliers in competitive solicitations, increasing
– Supports economic growth by promoting innovation and scaling supplier

Cons:
– Program is limited to US-based businesses only
– Applies only to Microsoft Federal operations, not all of Microsoft’s procurement

Fernando Hernandez Transforms Microsoft’s Supplier Diversity Program

Microsoft’s Race to Supply Differently – Hispanic Executive

Product Details:
Microsoft offers a wide range of technology products and cloud-based services aimed at digital transformation for enterprises, including platforms like Azure cloud computing, collaboration tools like Teams, and solutions tailored to diverse industries and communities.

Technical Parameters:
– Azure cloud platform supports scalable storage, data analytics, and artificial
– Microsoft Teams enables real-time collaboration, communication, and file
– Emphasis on secure, enterprise-grade infrastructure for cloud services and

Application Scenarios:
– Supporting remote and hybrid workforce collaboration across global
– Enabling digital transformation for businesses through enterprise cloud
– Facilitating innovation in diverse industries, including finance, healthcare,

Pros:
– Robust cloud infrastructure with high security and compliance features.
– Comprehensive suite of productivity and collaboration tools for businesses.
– Strong commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion, and community engagement

Cons:
– Large organizations may face complexities during enterprise-wide cloud
– Subscription-based models can lead to high long-term operational costs for some

Fernando Hernandez Director, Supplier Diversity Microsoft

Product Details:
Microsoft’s Supplier Diversity program focuses on partnering with Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), supported by a dedicated team and significant diversity spend to drive innovation in the company’s supply chain.

Application Scenarios:
– Sourcing technology and service vendors from diverse backgrounds
– Engaging MWBEs in procurement and supply chain partnerships
– Collaborating with suppliers identified through diversity councils and business

Pros:
– Over $1.28 billion spent with diverse suppliers in two years, demonstrating
– Nearly 2000 MWBE suppliers engaged, expanding opportunities for diverse
– Program includes outreach, training, and support by global procurement and
– Utilizes specialized events and councils to source innovative, cutting-edge

Supply Chain Integrity | Microsoft CSR

Product Details:
Microsoft provides global technology products and services, including hardware devices, software, cloud infrastructure, and digital platforms (such as LinkedIn and GitHub). The company emphasizes responsible sourcing, human rights, due diligence, and sustainable supply chain management for these offerings.

Technical Parameters:
– Adherence to Microsoft Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) and Responsible Sourcing
– Multi-tier supply chain management with risk-based due diligence, aligned with
– Inclusion of conflict minerals controls (tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold) in
– Integration of supply chain transparency, traceability, and accountability

Application Scenarios:
– Manufacturing, packaging, and delivery of Microsoft hardware devices
– Sourcing and provisioning components for global cloud data center infrastructure
– Supporting technology platforms and services like LinkedIn and GitHub via
– Managing procurement and operations for Microsoft-owned buildings and logistics

Pros:
– Strong emphasis on human rights, environmental protection, and business ethics
– Comprehensive risk management systems aligning with international standards
– Robust multi-stakeholder engagement and continuous policy updates to adapt to
– Focus on supply chain transparency, traceability, and accountability,

Cons:
– Limited direct influence on deeper tiers of the supply chain, requiring
– Potential complexities and challenges in ensuring policy compliance across a

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I find Microsoft-approved supplier diversity factories or manufacturers?
Start by exploring Microsoft’s Supplier Diversity program website, which lists guidelines and potential partners. You can also attend supplier diversity events or use business directories that specifically highlight certified diverse suppliers. Networking with industry groups can help uncover trusted manufacturers, too.

What certifications should a diverse supplier have to work with Microsoft?
Typically, Microsoft looks for suppliers certified as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, or disability-owned businesses. Relevant certifications come from organizations like NMSDC, WBENC, or NGLCC. Always verify which certifications Microsoft requires for your industry.

What factors should I consider when choosing a diverse manufacturer?
Beyond diversity certification, consider the manufacturer’s production capabilities, quality standards, references, pricing, lead times, and compliance with Microsoft’s requirements. It’s also important to evaluate their communication style and commitment to long-term partnerships.

Is there support to help me connect with diverse suppliers?
Yes! Microsoft offers resources such as supplier matchmaking events, training sessions, and diversity networking opportunities. Many industry associations and chambers of commerce can also introduce you to reputable diverse suppliers and provide helpful insights.

How do I verify that a supplier is truly diversity-certified?
Request a copy of the supplier’s current diversity certification and verify its authenticity with the issuing organization. Be sure the certification is active and covers the type of diversity Microsoft recognizes. Microsoft may also have its own vetting process to confirm supplier status.